Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education #elementary #education #degrees

Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education

Degree programs in Early Childhood and Elementary Education (ECEE) could be your start to an exciting and fulfilling career in teaching! Our initial and advanced programs are designed for prospective teachers who hope to teach children ages Birth through age 5 and/or Kindergarten through Grade 5 or practicing teachers who want to become even more effective.

Using a clinical model of preparation in four developmental phases, we engage our teacher candidates in multiple and varied field experiences with children representing the diversity of our urban and regional communities and populations. We combine these classroom-based experiences with courses focused on learning effective instructional strategies across all content areas and for all learners. We prepare and support teachers who are critical thinkers, problem solvers, and professional leaders making a positive and sustained impact on children’s learning.

I am halfway through my first year of teaching and things are going really well. I credit the CEHD’s MAT program for my success. I feel like I was extremely prepared and confident when I started the year, and KTIP has been a breeze (so far). Thank you for all that you do! I am lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from such fabulous professors.

Our Programs and Degrees

ECEE offers a wide variety of programs and degrees for those interested in becoming a teacher (initial certification) and for certified teachers wanting to further their education (advanced degrees). Click the button below to learn more.

Faculty Strengths

The Early Childhood and Elementary Education faculty includes nationally and internationally recognized experts in their content fields. The faculty is committed to pursuing studies and issues that affect education, both locally and nationally, including the nature of pedagogy and learning, and cultural diversity. ECEE faculty members are not only great teachers who demonstrate the kinds of practices they advocate for work with Birth-Grade 5 students, they are also researchers who study topics currently important in the field of education; writers of highly valued books, chapters, and articles; presenters at international, national, and state conferences; leaders in professional organization; award winners for their teaching and research; and service providers locally and beyond.

I want to say how well the UofL MAT program prepared me for the KTIP process. I feel so comfortable being observed in the classroom and feel confident in the lessons that I prepare. I have had wonderful reviews from my mentors.

ECEE Mission

The mission of the ECEE Department is to cultivate highly effective educators of Birth through Grade 5 children in diverse educational settings. ECEE provides extensive coursework and corresponding field experiences throughout the community to prepare candidates with the knowledge and competencies of research-based best practices. Further, ECEE strives to develop educators who embrace reflective practices and promote, design and implement positive educational experiences that build on the strength and resiliency of all students and families. As part of a research-extensive university, department faculty members advance knowledge through theoretical and applied research.

I appreciate the skills you worked so hard to give us to use in our classrooms as well as the emphasis on inquiry based (and social) learning. I’ve been in education for 8 years now and know I absolutely made the right career choice.